NMSU theater seats for sale to benefit theater company

The American Southwest Theatre Company, in residence at New Mexico State University, is selling seats in the Mark and Stephanie Medoff Theatre as part of ASTC’s 2024-25 Seat of Honor fundraising campaign and the nonprofit theatre company's 40^th anniversary. 

“ASTC and NMSU sold about 80 seats when the theater opened in 2013, and we are hoping to sell the remaining seats to support theater students and the NMSU Theatre Department,” longtime ASTC President Denise Welsh stated in a news release.

“I bought a seat in 2013 and I am buying another one this year,” said Heather Pollard, who was a charter member of ASTC when Tony-winning playwright Mark Medoff and Bruce Streett formed the nonprofit in 1984. “I cannot think of a better way to support the theater department and at the same time pay tribute to someone you care about,” said Pollard, who is now an ex-officio member of ASTC. 

Theater seats are selling for $500 for individuals/families and $750 for businesses and organizations. Each name plaque features the name of the purchaser, his or her family or someone he or she wishes to honor or remember.  

ASTC is kicking off the Seat of Honor campaign to coincide with the run of the NMSU Theatre Department’s production of “The Addams Family,” which opens with a 5:30 p.m. preview performance Thursday, April 18, and a gala opening-night performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, with performances through Sunday, April 28, at the NMSU theatre, 1000 E. University Ave. Ticketing and other information is available at theatre.nmsu.edu. 

“ASTC is able to help theatre students – actors, directors, costumers, stage managers, lighting, sound and scenic designs – in so many important ways, including scholarships, paying for trips to graduate program auditions and participation in acting, backstage and technical trainings with Kennedy Center Honors and other nationally and internationally recognized theatre programs across the country,” NMSU Theatre Department head Wil Kilroy stated in a news release.

“All the money ASTC raises in the Seat of Honor campaign will benefit the theater department and its students, and we are grateful for the community’s support,” Kilroy said. 

Seats may be purchased in the lobby of the NMSU theater throughout the run of “The Addams Family,” or via Denise Welsh at 575-642-2980 or email dwelsh@nmsu.edu.

Checks may be sent to ASTC, P.O. Box 30001 MSC 3072, Las Cruces, N.M. 88003. List “Seat of Honor” on the memo line.